Shah, 66 has appeared in over 200 films in a remarkable and diverse career spanning 40 years. A National School of Drama graduate, Shah made his movie debut with Shyam Benegal's 'Nishant' in 1975 and went on to star in some of the biggest films of the parallel cinema movement in India.

His major films of this period include 'Sparsh', 'Paar', 'Aakrosh' and 'Chakra'. Shah's other major roles were in 'Monsoon Wedding', Hollywood movie 'The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. I always enjoy coming to Dubai and I am looking forward to interacting with the Indian and Pakistani audiences during my stay. I am also grateful for the honour being bestowed on me at the Dubai International Film Festival, Shah said in a statement.

The festival will screen Shah's latest film "Waiting". Also starring, Kalki Koechlin and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Anu Menon, the movie will have its world premiere at the DIFF on Friday. Naseeruddin Shah has been a fixture of cinema in India and around the world for a staggering period of time. Few actors ever get the chance to make an impact with their art and the longevity of his career is a testament to his versatility, enduring class and talent, Abdulhamid Juma, Chairman of the Dubai International Film Festival, said in a statement.

DIFF will also pay tribute to Steven Spielberg's Jaws on its 40th anniversary with a beachfront screening of the classic. Jaws actor Richard Dreyfuss is scheduled to be in attendance at the screening. The festival, which began today, runs till December 16.